Keep in Mind

Keep in Mind

Romans 1: ²⁸ Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. ²⁹ They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They gossip ³⁰ and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. ³² They know that God's law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.

 

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When I took the exam, I did well. I studied and memorized all the facts. Years later, after not having used the subject, I struggled to remember the content. When someone asked me questions, I could not help. I had forgotten everything.

 

• There have been many things I used to know that I have forgotten.
• There have been many practices I used to do that I no longer do.
• There have been many things that were good for me, and I did at one time that I stopped doing.

 

Paul continues explaining what GOD revealed to him. He says that some people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about GOD. Because of this, GOD allows those people to have a corrupt mind, doing anything evil that feels right to them.

 

• GOD wants me to keep HIM top of mind every day.
• GOD wants me to know I would choose evil every time if it weren’t for HIS guidance each day.
• GOD wants me to recognize I would choose greed, vice, jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, pride, boasting, disobedience and hatred unless I speak to HIM each day.

 

Having done many evil things on this list, I can testify that Paul’s writing is true. I mean, when he puts jealousy next to murder, it really makes me think that I am hopeless. BUT GOD gave me a way out of my mess.

 

Only GOD HIMSELF could save me from my sin. I would never choose HIS way, so HE chose me instead. HE died just for me and was raised from the dead. JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to guide me back to HIM. I still want sin, but I keep in mind what GOD wants.

 

• Are you doing what you want, never asking GOD what HE wants you to do?
• Do you see things only from your perspective, justifying your actions along the way?
• Will you keep GOD in mind, knowing you could fall to the things HE does not want you to do, so you could be given your perfect purpose today?

Okay, do your thing

 

Okay, do your thing

Romans 1: ²⁶ Because they do this, God has given them over to shameful passions. Even the women pervert the natural use of their sex by unnatural acts. ²⁷ In the same way the men give up natural sexual relations with women and burn with passion for each other. Men do shameful things with each other, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing.

 

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Thinking of another response I argued my point. The person, who was simply trying to give me advice said, “Okay, do your thing.” I kept on my path and ran into the problems he was trying to warn me about.

 

• There were times when I did not listen.
• There were times when I did what I wanted to do.
• There were times when I followed my heart, but inside was something bad.

 

Paul explains there would be some people who explain away GOD so they can do what they want to do. By doing this, some people would accept a path that was not defined by GOD. Some women would choose unnatural sex acts and men would choose men for sex.

 

• GOD wants me to ask “What do YOU want?”
• GOD wants me to follow HIS way, especially when I don’t want to.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE is the creator and knows the best way.

 

“Okay, do your thing” is a difficult sentence from GOD. I mean, HE has so much grace that HE allows me to sin as much as I want. The problem is, I can become so accustomed to the sin that I question HIS laws and HIS existence, simply because I do not like the rule. BUT GOD still has compassion.

 

HE allows anyone who believes in JESUS to be saved, no matter how deep in sin the person is. HE looks at any sin as the same. Lies, racism and sex outside of HIS definition are equally abysmal to HIM. That’s why HE chose to die for me instead of punishing me. Anyone who believes in JESUS surrenders sin little by little. I am glad HE gives me chance after chance.

 

• Are you arguing the existence of GOD because you do not like HIS rule?
• Do you push HIS love away to do sex your way?
• Will you believe in the truth, which is JESUS, and allow HIM to guide you to a life filled with purpose and abundance today?

Not So Bad Zone

 

Not So Bad Zone

Romans 1: ²⁴ And so God has given those people over to do the filthy things their hearts desire, and they do shameful things with each other. ²⁵ They exchange the truth about God for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever! Amen.

 

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I was a bit nervous after bringing home the porn. I spent hours in the bathroom staring at its contents, “playing” with myself and did not get “caught.” After a while that was not enough. I had to have the real thing.

 

I was nervous again but did it anyway. I convinced someone to join me in sex. Afterwards, I looked around and the heavens did not open to burn me up. “Maybe I’m not so bad after all” I said to myself, continuing in my indulgence.

 

• There have been many times when I compared my sin to what other people were doing.
• There been many times when I thought I did not receive any consequence to the actions I knew were wrong.
• There been many times when I brought other people into my filthy world and soon that was not enough.

 

Paul writes something very disturbing. He mentions what GOD dictated to him. GOD has given people over to do as they please and fulfil whatever their evil hears desire. After the shameful act, then the lie appears. “That was not so bad.”

 

• GOD wants me to open my eyes to my sin.
• GOD wants me to stay away from the lie of “not so bad.”
• GOD wants me to confess my filthy heart to HIM daily, never thinking I am “not so bad.”

 

Each time I think I am “not so bad” I commit a “smaller” act of sin that takes my mind further away from thinking of GOD. After a while, I question my salvation because I get to a place where I am not acknowledging GOD at all. BUT GOD shows me grace.

 

HE watched me in the middle of my sin and decided to die for me instead of zapping me with some excruciatingly painful sentence. HE gave me another chance and wants me to do the same to others. I am glad GOD forgave me of all my sins.

 

• Are you addicted to porn?
• Do you or did you crave a sexual relationship outside of marriage as GOD defines it?
• Will you open your eyes to GOD’s grace and stop comparing your sin to other people so you can confess your sins to GOD and HE will be faithful and just to forgive you today?

Honor and Thanks

 Honor and Thanks

Romans 1: 19 God punishes them, because what can be known about God is plain to them, for God himself made it plain. 20 Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! 21 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness. 22 They say they are wise, but they are fools; 23 instead of worshiping the immortal God, they worship images made to look like mortals or birds or animals or reptiles.

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When my peer was made my boss I really could not believe it. To me, he was slippery, sneaky and conniving. I refused to recognize him as the leader of the department. I would attend the meetings, but my mind was not present because I was trying to think of a way out.

• There have been leaders I refused to follow,
• There have been leaders I did not respect or believe in.
• There have been leaders I wanted to leave even though the person was clearly in charge.

Paul continues writing his letter. He states that evil people try to prevent the truth, JESUS, from being known. He implies that steering people away from the truth brings on GOD’s punishment, for GOD showed HIS eternal power and divine nature which can be seen in the things HE made.

Instead of giving GOD credit for what HE has created, the wise fools worship things that can be bought.

• GOD wants me to give HIM honor by recognizing what HE has done and is doing in my life.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM more and more for what HE provides each day.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth, namely JESUS is the creator and Savior of the world.

Admiring GOD brings honor to HIM. I mean, HE created everything and loved me enough to die for me. When I honor HIM I can recognize what HE is doing in my life, even when things seem to be going wrong. HE pours out HIS grace on me daily. I am thankful for all GOD has done and is doing.

• Are you ignoring GOD and worshipping humans?
• Do you disrespect JESUS by not recognizing HIM as GOD?
• Will you turn your thoughts to GOD and give HIM honor and thanks today?

Putting Spin On It

 

Putting Spin On It

Romans 1: ¹⁸ God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known.

 

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Knowing the system had problems, we sat in a room trying to think of ways to convince every owner operator spend lots of money on something that would not fix the problem. I was up for a promotion so I worked on the benefits of the system. I presented the benefits all around the nation. I got promoted.

 

• There were times when I hid the truth.
• There were times when I put “spin” on the problem to make it seem like it was not a problem.
• There were times when I was part of the coverup.

 

Paul explains that GOD is furious at anything that explains away HIS power and love. Any lie or made up story that confuses people about JESUS being GOD, dying for all sins and being raised from the dead; brings on GOD’s anger. The truth needs to be known.

 

• GOD wants me to know the truth, namely JESUS.
• GOD wants me to explain the truth, that JESUS became a human to suffer for my sins.
• GOD wants me to uncover my sins so people can see the power of HIS forgiveness.

 

Covering up the truth is easy to do. Insecurity or desiring power or fulfilling life’s lusts, make me cover up the truth to get my way. BUT GOD wants me to see that path is a dangerous and deadly one.

 

GOD sees my heart and knows every hidden thing in it. HE is available to forgive me of all my sin and clean my heart of all unrighteousness. I am grateful GOD uncovers sin to make the truth of JESUS known to me and countless others.

 

• Are you participating in a coverup that prevents someone from getting to know JESUS?
• Do you believe in an innocent story that points to humans as the answer to problems?
• Will you be bold enough to speak the truth about JESUS today?

Put People Right

 

Put People Right

Romans 1: ¹⁶ I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. ¹⁷ For the gospel reveals how God puts people right with himself: it is through faith from beginning to end. As the scripture says, “The person who is put right with God through faith shall live.”

 

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Listening intently for mistakes, I waited for a slip up. This was a negotiation that I had to “win.” Immediately I found the opportunity when the goof came out of his mouth. I leveraged the mistake to get “my” way.

 

• Sometimes “winning” is losing.
• Sometimes being right means being “dead” right.
• Sometimes getting “my” way doesn’t get what I need.

 

Paul placed his complete confidence in GOD’s power to save all humans who believe in JESUS as the Savior. The gospel reveals how GOD puts people right with HIMSELF. It wasn’t the amounts given, or church attendance or by being nice that saved humans, Paul’s words imply. It is about being put right with GOD through JESUS dying for the sins humans commit.

 

• GOD wants me to be put right with HIM by believing I need JESUS to save me from eternal death.
• GOD wants me to see other people as HE sees their need to be put right with HIM.
• GOD wants me to put people right so I can overlook their sin as HE forgives those who believe in HIS SON.

 

Let’s face it, some people are difficult, namely you and me. I mean, GOD knew humans would not want to be bothered by HIM nor would we want a relationship with HIM. BUT GOD loved me anyway. HE saw every sin I would do and put me right with HIM so I could have a relationship with HIM.

 

On occasion I blame HIM and doubt HIM and pout when HE does not give me “my” way. BUT I praise HIM and love HIM and cherish the things HE has done for me. I am grateful GOD loved me enough to put me right with HIM through HIS SON JESUS, who is now alive.

 

• Are you at odds with someone?
• Do you want someone to change leave or die?
• Will you put the person right with you and desire salvation for you and “that” person so GOD can “win” HIS people back?

An Obligation

 

An Obligation

Romans 1: ¹³ You must remember, my friends, that many times I have planned to visit you, but something has always kept me from doing so. I want to win converts among you also, as I have among other Gentiles. ¹⁴ For I have an obligation to all peoples, to the civilized and to the savage, to the educated and to the ignorant. ¹⁵ So then, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who live in Rome.

 

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“No” was my sharp answer to her rudeness. She spoke in a very demanding tone that I did not appreciate. She could see a box addressed to her sitting on the shelf but I refused to give it to her. “Come back in a few hours when I am off work and maybe that person will be able to help you.”

 

• There have been some people who have been very rude to me.
• There have been some people who treated me poorly.
• There have been some people who I felt justified by not helping them.

 

Paul continues writing his letter, expressing his eagerness to visit, but was delayed from doing so. He kept the letter upbeat by not mentioning the beatings he had received for speaking about JESUS as the one and only Savior of the world. Instead, he spoke about his obligation to preach the Good News to win converts for the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to have a life filled with HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to be obligated to speak about JESUS to those who ignore HIM.
• GOD wants me to be able to speak to someone who is too educated to believe in HIM.

 

Living an obligated life means I grow up to think about my reaction versus reacting immediately. GOD wants me to live for HIS purpose so that means I may have to speak to people who do not look or act like me.

 

HE loves when I pray for those who speak down to me and who curse at me. This is not weakness but a display of surrender to GOD’s power to handle the situation. I am grateful GOD has given me purpose that obligates me to desire salvation through JESUS for all.

 

• What do you feel obligated to do?
• Do you serve your family or go to work regularly?
• Can you add speaking about JESUS as the world’s Savior to your list of obligations today?

It’s You Not Me

 

It’s You Not Me

Acts 1: ⁸ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because the whole world is hearing about your faith. ⁹ God is my witness that what I say is true—the God whom I serve with all my heart by preaching the Good News about his Son. God knows that I remember you ¹⁰ every time I pray. I ask that God in his good will may at last make it possible for me to visit you now. ¹¹ For I want very much to see you, in order to share a spiritual blessing with you to make you strong. ¹² What I mean is that both you and I will be helped at the same time, you by my faith and I by yours.

 

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Another year had past without a source of sustainable income, yet we were taken care of. As Christmas rolled around, I remember instructing the family to bake gifts and write letters of thanks. But deep down I had a question. “What about me?” Would I have to go another year trying to make things work?

 

• There have been times when I had become too weary to think of others.
• There have been times when I had become too beat up to pray for others.
• There have been times when I had become too weak to see that other people had needs.

 

Paul had been through a lot. He had been chased, jailed, shipwrecked, beaten and bitten by a poisonous snake. GOD sustained him through all the hardship. Paul became more thankful and so he starts off his letter by thanking GOD through JESUS for people.

 

• GOD wants me to see a way out of the situation is to be thankful.
• GOD wants me to put aside the situation for moments of praise to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be excited about people enough to include them in my prayers.

 

Thinking of others is hard when I am distracted by the enemy. I mean, the worries of the world prevent me from seeing others in need. BUT GOD loves when I see what HE sees, even if it is only for a moment. When I have needs and I can still see other people have needs, then GOD is excited.

 

HE accepts my prayers as I intercede for others. HE loves when I stand in the gap for the weak and helpless, especially when I am one of them. GOD loves when I have “you” type thinking. I am grateful for you and I hope GOD pours out HIS blessings on you and me.

 

• Are you busy thinking about yourself?
• Do you think you should get “your” way but have forgotten other people have needs?
• Will you gain strength over the situation by praying to GOD that JESUS comes into the lives of those around you today?

Owning Land

 

Owning Land

Romans 1: ⁷ And so I write to all of you in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his own people:

 

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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“Why can’t he keep his lawnmower on his side!” I said to myself. My neighbor cut his grass too low for my taste. I pondered telling him about the boundaries. Meanwhile at church, a lady told me a story of her walking around her neighborhood, praying for each of her neighbors. I felt ashamed.

 

• Many times I have been selfish.
• Many times I did not want to share.
• Many times I looked at my neighbors as an inconvenience.

 

Paul writes a letter to all Romans. He wanted to tell them how much GOD loves them and has called them to be HIS own people. No matter the race, gender or age, Paul wanted GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST to supply grace and peace to them.

 

• GOD wants me to take ownership of the land around me.
• GOD wants me to be responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of my neighbors.
• GOD wants me to desire grace and peace to all in the land HE gives me.

 

Ownership to humans means greed. I mean, owning land means I have to purchase it, maintain it and someday sell it for a profit. But ownership to GOD means I recognize HE owns everything, HE paid for the sins of everyone by dying on the cross and HE wants me to maintain what HE did by loving my neighbor.

 

Ownership reduces my blame and increases my assistance. I can then see what GOD sees in each person. I can look beyond their selfishness and pray for my neighbors to have grace and peace from the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST. I am glad HE gives me land to own.

 

• Do you have more complaints about your neighbors than praise?
• Is your first reaction to get angry at people?
• Will you reduce your quick temper and allow GOD to work through you by owning the delivery of grace and peace to those around you today?

Called to Belong

 

Called to Belong

Romans 1: From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle chosen and called by God to preach his Good News.

 

² The Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. ³ It is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: as to his humanity, he was born a descendant of David; ⁴ as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised from death. ⁵ Through him God gave me the privilege of being an apostle for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. ⁶ This also includes you who are in Rome, whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ.

 

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Feeling out of place became the norm. Everywhere I went, I felt alone, even in the middle of a crowd. One day I sat in my apartment, grousing about my situation. “Why am I here in this place?” I cried out. “Where are the good parties and clubs? I don’t belong here!” Little did I know, it was the perfect place to get off a destructive path I could not see.

 

• Looking back, there were situations I went through that grew my patience.
• Looking back, there were situations I went through to change my path.
• Looking back, there were situations I went through that seemed painful, but opened my eyes to GOD.

 

Paul begins his letter to the Romans with a salutation that recognizes his purpose in life, namely to preach the Good News of JESUS. He spent his life trying to do what was right in his own eyes, but GOD arranged situations to blind him to what was wrong and open his eyes to JESUS. Paul now had a purpose that made sense.

 

• GOD wants me to preach the GOD News about JESUS being raised from the dead.
• GOD wants me to understand and “live” what the scriptures say about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be grateful enough for what JESUS did for me to lead people of all nations to believe and obey.

 

Before I knew it, I belonged. I no longer felt lonely in crowds because I saw a need versus being needy. The crowd was searching and GOD called me to point them to HIM. HE opened my eyes to the fact that HIS family is huge and full of love. I am grateful to belong to JESUS CHRIST.

 

• Are you lonely?
• Does it seem like your life’s purpose is your school, job, family or friends?
• Will you ask GOD to give you HIS purpose of telling those around you about being saved eternally by JESUS today?

True Freedom

 

True Freedom

Acts 28: ²⁸ “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” ²⁹ After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves. 

 

³⁰ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹ He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

 

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Mad at “them”, I refused to go to church. I mean “they” were hypocrites. When I had sex with someone, I could not speak to that person about JESUS. By the time I grew up to forgive the “hypocrites” I had a career that kept me quite busy.

 

I could not proclaim JESUS because the position paid me well and I “assumed” they would not tolerate me teaching about HIM. When I was out of work I was finally free to speak about JESUS.

 

• There were times when life kept me from speaking about GOD.
• There were times when I thought I had a “good’ excuse for not speaking about JESUS.
• There were times when jobs, relationships and worries of life kept me from mentioning the FATHER, SON and the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Luke finishes his letter to Theophilus, summing up Paul’s discussion. Paul told the church leaders that the Messiah, JESUS, had arrived and because they did not believe HE was and is the Messiah, GOD’s salvation would be spread to the Gentiles. Paul stayed in Rome speaking with boldness about JESUS without hindrance.

 

• GOD wants me to know JESUS as the truth.
• GOD wants me to be set free by the truth.
• GOD wants me to speak boldly about JESUS who is the truth.

 

“The truth will set you free”, JESUS said. HE also says “If the SON sets you free, you will be free indeed.” What does freedom even look like?” I said to myself. I mean, bills piled up, relationships breaking all over the place and jobs hard to find. How can I be free? BUT GOD looks at my situations different.

 

GOD gently forgives me and opens my eyes to HIM as the answer to all my problems. When I grab onto JESUS, HE opens my mouth to thank HIM and to speak boldly about HIM. Soon the excuses dwindle and my fears turn into HIS protection. I am glad JESUS truly has set me free.

 

• Is something keeping you from speaking boldly about JESUS?
• Do you fear what humans will think of you if you spoke about JESUS?
• Will you recognize the bondage you are in and allow GOD to protect you while you speak about JESUS without hindrance today?

Searching But Not Finding

 

Searching But Not Finding

Acts 28: ²³ They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. ²⁴ Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. ²⁵ They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

 

²⁶ “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
²⁷ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.

 

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Angrily, I stormed off from “those” people. They said the wrong thing again. When I got to the next group, I was okay for a while, but that group started acting the same as the other group. I got angry and stormed off from “those” people. When I got to the third group I said. “I will stay here no matter what.” This group seemed to act different.

 

• There were times when I was searching for problems and found them.
• There were times when I was searching for what is wrong and found it.
• There were times when I was searching for peace but could not find it because I found problems and only could see what was wrong.

 

The church leaders decided to meet with Paul and brought a large number with them. Some were looking for answers and others were looking for an argument. Both groups found what they were looking for, but one group did not get what they wanted. They overlooked the answer that would bring them peace.

 

• GOD says to me “See ME with your eyes.”
• GOD says to me “Hear ME with your ears.”
• GOD says to me “Understand ME with your heart.”

 

When I look for problems with other people, I don’t have to look very long. I mean their flaws jump out immediately. BUT GOD looks at the person differently. HE sees a creation HE made and said “Well done.” When I look at that person through sin filled, hurt eyes, I can search for something I want to see, but will not find it.

 

But when I ask GOD to heal my eyes, I can see what HE sees in “that” person. When I ask GOD to truly speak to me, I can hear the comfort HE wants me to give to “those” people. And when I ask GOD to change “me” I can understand with my heart what I must do. I am grateful GOD gives me another chance to be healed by HIM.

 

• What are you searching for in someone but not finding?
• Are you ready to leave a group because “they” are not acting right?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes, ears and heart to HIM so HE can heal you without expecting “them” to change?

Good Reputation

Good Reputation

Acts 28: ²¹ They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. ²² But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

 

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Excited about the new boss, I looked forward to meeting her. Too many times I had run into those who would stretch the truth for their own convenience. Here reputation was that of an honest firm leader. Other people spoke well about her, and so did I.

 

• I have met many people who had good reputations.
• I have met many people with character.
• I have met many people who lead by example.

 

The church leaders whom Paul brought together told him they had not received any bad reports about him. Paul had been very vocal about JESUS wherever he went. Now, the group he faced was curious and Paul could speak to them about JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to openly admit I am a sinner so HIS reputation will shine.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM as the answer instead of looking at me.

 

Building a good reputation amongst humans can be dangerous. I mean, not everyone will like me no matter what I do. I may build a crowd I am comfortable with and never cross over to those I am uncomfortable speaking to. What if they misunderstand “my” reputation? BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to speak about HIS reputation as the answer. GOD knows the human heart and is the only one who can show true love. JESUS did so by dying for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead. HIS reputation is the only one that can save me. I am grateful HE led by example.

 

• What is your reputation?
• Would people have a good report about you if they saw the hidden things?
• Will you stop trying to manage a good reputation and point to the only one who is sinless, namely JESUS?

Hope Priority

 

Hope Priority

Acts 28: ¹⁷ Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. ¹⁸ They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. ¹⁹ The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. ²⁰ For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

 

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“Want to go hang out?” were code words from a neighbor that meant let’s get drunk and possibly have sex with a stranger. I said “No thanks” this time. He asked again the next week a little more persistently. I said “I’m trying to get my life together with GOD this time.”

 

• There were times when I used pleasure as my hope.
• There were times when I used money as my hope.
• There were times when I used power as my hope.

 

Paul called the local church leaders together and explained his plight. He wanted to appeal rationally to this group in hopes that they would believe in JESUS. He placed his hope in GOD over being free.

 

• GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• GOD wants me to make HIM my priority.
• GOD wants me to choose hope in HIM over anything else.

 

When GOD says “I will reward you” I can place my hope in this. I mean, I have to have total trust that GOD will do just as HE says. HE also says things I do not want to do like “Love those who hate you.”

 

When I place my hope in GOD, I can say “No” to things that will not please HIM. The things that please GOD become my priority. I am honored to place my hope in GOD.

 

• What is your priority?
• Are you focused on controlling all your situations?
• Will you live your life with the purpose of GOD so you will use hope in JESUS to make your decisions?